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Colowyo C-1981-019 16 November 2005 Pg 5/5 Special Categories of Mining (Highwall Miner): -The highwall miner has completed mining in the C-seam in the East Pit and has moved to the West Pit. In the West Pit it has completed its work on the D-seam in the Section 4 area (the TR-60 lease modification area) and is currently waiting for more areas to be opened and prepared, The operators are taking the month of December off and will return to the site in January, They will mine the upper seams in the West Pit and return to mine the B-seam in the East Pit. East Pit fire Area: - In September, an ember from a coal shot in the West Pit (during high winds) made its way to the East Pit reclamation and started a fire, The fire was contained by cutting a fire line around the area with a grader. The width of the fire line is approximately 20 feet. The area that was burned was approximately 38 acres and included what appeared to be a test plot labeled 1999A. Although there was a fire, the damage to the area appears to be minimal. Approximately half of the grasses remain and most of the remaining grass still has seed heads, The damage caused by the fire line was also minimal. The line was not cut into the topsoil or spoil but, rather, appears to have just removed the majority of the vegetation. Based on the observations in the field, it was determined that, at this point, no remedial measures are required on the ground. We will wait until spring and see what, if any, growth occurs and determine at that point if any additional measures need to be taken. The operator is aware of the possibility of cheatgrass infestation and has been advised to keep a close eye on the area as the next growing season approaches. The Division has requested a report regarding this event, including pictures, a map and what measures have been implemented to ensure this does not happen again. The Division is requesting this report by the end of November 2005. Overall, the operations and reclamation at the Colowyo Mine are being conducted in accordance with the approved plans contained within the PAP. The operation is doing a good job ensuring compliance with all of the Rules.